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Thieves Steal Auto Parts From Cars At Dealerships
36 Catalytic Converters Stolen
UPDATED: 7:38 pm CDT July 17,
2008
JANESVILLE, Wis. -- Janesville police are investigating a string of thefts from cars, and it's something not even locks or a security system can prevent.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportWhat's being stolen isn't in the cars, it's on the cars.In the past week, 36 catalytic converters were stolen from cars on two dealership lots."We've not seen this many number of catalytic converters stolen, certainly not all in one night. It's significant for our community," said Deputy Chief David More of the Janesville Police Department.Salesmen at one of the dealerships were walking through the lot, when they noticed something underneath the car. When they took a closer look, something was definitely wrong.Exhaust pipes were hanging down to the ground, on 29 of the same model of car, WISC-TV reported.They found another used car missing a converter Thursday.Managers at the dealership feel the thieves knew what they were doing.They said the cars were not harmed when the converters were removed."We've reached out to recyclers in our area, and also regionally, notifying recyclers that they should be alert to people bringing in large numbers of catalytic converters," said Moore.Samuels Recycling in Janesville purchases converters, which contain precious metals, platinum, and rhodium, in a honeycomb form inside, WISC-TV reported.They're working with police to keep an eye out for stolen converters."We're all about recycling, not about catering to thieves; we don't want them here," said Mindi Bach.The recycling center requires sellers to sign affidavits and provide identification when bringing in materials. It won't accept anything that seems suspicious, WISC-TV reported."With the recent new thefts, anyone that's coming with converters that we don't know as normal sellers to us, I'll talk to them and verify where they are coming from and why they're here," said Bach.The stolen converters will cost around $1,000 a piece to replace, but they are insured.Dealerships hope the thefts were a one-time occurrence.For those who stole the catalytic converters, selling them locally may be difficult. The recycling center said it rarely receives new converters.Police are continuing their investigation.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportWhat's being stolen isn't in the cars, it's on the cars.In the past week, 36 catalytic converters were stolen from cars on two dealership lots."We've not seen this many number of catalytic converters stolen, certainly not all in one night. It's significant for our community," said Deputy Chief David More of the Janesville Police Department.Salesmen at one of the dealerships were walking through the lot, when they noticed something underneath the car. When they took a closer look, something was definitely wrong.Exhaust pipes were hanging down to the ground, on 29 of the same model of car, WISC-TV reported.They found another used car missing a converter Thursday.Managers at the dealership feel the thieves knew what they were doing.They said the cars were not harmed when the converters were removed."We've reached out to recyclers in our area, and also regionally, notifying recyclers that they should be alert to people bringing in large numbers of catalytic converters," said Moore.Samuels Recycling in Janesville purchases converters, which contain precious metals, platinum, and rhodium, in a honeycomb form inside, WISC-TV reported.They're working with police to keep an eye out for stolen converters."We're all about recycling, not about catering to thieves; we don't want them here," said Mindi Bach.The recycling center requires sellers to sign affidavits and provide identification when bringing in materials. It won't accept anything that seems suspicious, WISC-TV reported."With the recent new thefts, anyone that's coming with converters that we don't know as normal sellers to us, I'll talk to them and verify where they are coming from and why they're here," said Bach.The stolen converters will cost around $1,000 a piece to replace, but they are insured.Dealerships hope the thefts were a one-time occurrence.For those who stole the catalytic converters, selling them locally may be difficult. The recycling center said it rarely receives new converters.Police are continuing their investigation.Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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